Trip Details at-a-Glance
This was my second time on this trip, and I found it as enchanting as the first time.J. Mead—Albuquerque NM
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Indochine
Historic Luang Prabang, magical Halong Bay, and the Ancient Temples of Angkor Wat
Gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the tropical sun, straw-roofed sampans drifting down tranquil rivers, ornate royal capitals, shy young monks draped in saffron-colored robes—Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia reveal an ancient world of stunning beauty and vibrant traditional cultures. We enjoy cultural encounters with its mosaic of peoples, whom we meet in their villages, schools, homes, and temples, and discover irresistible settings like Luang Prabang in the heart of the old Lao kingdom, breathtaking Halong Bay, with its emerald waters and stunning rock formations, and Hoi An, Vietnam’s beautiful 17th century trading port, now a World Heritage Site. Our journey ends at Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s surreal, jungle-shrouded city of temples.
Highlights
- Luang Prabang, an ancient town of temples on the Mekong
- Angkor Wat, one of humankind’s most outstanding architectural achievements
- Hanoi, Paris of the Orient, breathtaking Halong Bay, charming Hoi An
Details
- 16-day trip begins in Luang Prabang, Laos, and ends in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- 14 nights in deluxe hotels, 1 night aboard private traditional junk
- All meals included except 3 dinners
- Overland travel with walking tours
Tour Costs
$4995 (14-16 members)
$5295 (11-13 members)
$5495 (7-10 members)
Single supplement: $1295
Internal airfare: $740 (subject to change)
Prices are for November 2010–February 2011
Departures & Leaders
Nov 6-21, 2010 Max Holland
Dec 18, 2010-Jan 2, 2011 Max Holland
Dec 23, 2010-Jan 7, 2011 Mathew Smith
Jan 15-30, 2011 Mathew Smith
Feb 12-27, 2011 Mathew Smith
Suggested Reading
Reading list, click here.
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-4
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is the ancient royal capital of Laos. In this regal town of gilded temples encircled by mountains, we stroll the atmospheric streets and explore 15th century temples. We also boat up the winding Mekong River to the Buddhist caves at Pak Ou and explore outlying villages of the Hmong and Khamu hilltribes. We fly to Hanoi on the afternoon of Day 4.
Days 5-6
Hanoi, Vietnam
In this thousand-year-old city on the Red River, we visit the narrow streets of the 15th century Old Quarter by bicycle rickshaw. Hanoi is Vietnam’s art capital, and we also stop in at the studio of a renowned Hanoi artist.
Day 7
Private Junk on Halong Bay
A World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a magical setting of thousands of sheer limestone islands jutting out of a jade-green sea. Our cruise gives us the chance to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ethereal setting. Overnight is in private cabins aboard our own traditional two-masted junk.
Days 8-9
Hue
In Hue, Vietnam’s ancient cultural capital, we visit the majestic Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, journey by private “dragon boat” up the Perfume River, meet the monks of Thien Mu Pagoda, and roam the Dong Ba Market.
Days 10-12
Danang / Hoi An / Saigon
A spectacular drive along a magnificent coastline brings us to the riverside town of Hoi An, an enchanting place with a real sense of history. We explore narrow streets with well-preserved 17th century architecture dating to the time when Hoi An was a trading port in silk and porcelain, and sample delicious cao lau noodles, unique to Hoi An. Overnight on Day 12 is in Saigon.
Days 13-16
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
We explore Angkor Wat, a magnificent monument to Khmer civilization, with its hundreds of intricately carved temples scattered across a tropical landscape. Depart from Siem Reap on the afternoon of Day 16.
This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Villa Santi Hotel
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Luang Prabang, Laos
A charming boutique hotel, the Villa Santi is a formal royal residence situated in the heart of the old historic town just steps from the temples ...
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Hanoi Opera Hilton Hotel
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), Hanoi, Vietnam
This landmark hotel is located adjacent to the Parisian-style Opera House in the heart of Hanoi’s elegant French Quarter and just steps from ...
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Private Junk
Day 7 (1 night), Halong Bay, Vietnam
Overnighting aboard a private junk in a secluded cove of Halong Bay is a unique opportunity to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ...
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Hotel Saigon Morin
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Hue, Vietnam
The elegant Hotel Saigon Morin, an early 20th century French hotel restored to its century-old glory, retains its legendary old world charm. Set on ...
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Hoi An Hotel
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Hoi An, Vietnam
The Hoi An Hotel, a French colonial-style hotel with well-maintained gardens, enjoys a location that can’t be beat—close to everything ...
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Caravelle Hotel
Day 12 (1 night), Saigon, Vietnam
The chic Caravelle Hotel is situated adjacent to the French Colonial Opera House in the heart of Saigon’s lively downtown. It’s steeped ...
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Sofitel Royal Angkor Resort
Days 13 to 15 (3 nights), Siem Reap, Cambodia
Set among lovely gardens and ponds, the Royal Angkor will feel like an oasis of serenity after a full day exploring the temples of Angkor Wat. A ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.